In the medium to long term, however, military effectiveness is not solely determined by the number of systems, but by their integration into the military command process and their ability to be flexibly further developed in future innovation cycles.
Technology silos must be broken down and dependencies on individual manufacturers avoided to prevent subsequent procurements from becoming expensive, slow, and inflexible. The Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) can provide a future-oriented foundation for this.
Flexibility through modular architecture and open standards
The Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) is a cross-technology strategy for the development of modern weapon systems. Instead of closed, monolithic systems from a single manufacturer, STARK relies on a modular architecture with standardized interfaces. MOSA describes the division of complex weapon systems into individual, loosely coupled software and hardware modules. These are connected via open, non-proprietary interfaces and can be flexibly assembled as needed.
For this approach to be effective, the central software core, including the crucial intellectual property rights, must reside within the German Armed Forces themselves. This avoids vendor lock-in and simultaneously ensures a high level of cybersecurity and data sovereignty over MOSA and the connected weapon systems.
The data generated in this process can be used by the German Armed Forces to optimize the deployment of the systems, advance their further development, and specifically train AI models. Operating the software on the German Armed Forces' own infrastructure also increases reliability, enables greater dependability, access to secure networks, and faster response times in the event of system errors and attacks.
Example MOSA in the US armed forces
A look at the USA shows how MOSA is already accelerating the integration of civilian and military innovations into the armed forces. There, MOSA has formed the basis for all procurement projects since 2019.
One example is the US Army's VICTORY program for modernizing vehicles. Complex legacy wiring is replaced by a shared Ethernet network and supplemented with standardized data exchange protocols. This allows new technologies to be integrated into existing systems via interchangeable hardware and software modules.
Individual components can be modernized or replaced without having to procure a completely new system. New modules build on the existing architecture and enable rapid iteration cycles. At the same time, open interfaces lower market entry barriers for new providers, promote competition, and avoid dependencies on individual manufacturers.
Sovereignty as a strategy
The current security situation and the exceptionally high procurement volume present the German Armed Forces with a strategic opportunity: not only to close capability gaps, but also to redefine the structural foundations of future weapon systems. Crucial to this is a cultural shift. Away from closed, stand-alone solutions, towards modular, software-centric architectures with clear integration standards. A consistently implemented Modular Open Systems Approach anchors these principles from the outset and creates measurable structural advantages.
For this approach to be effective, close collaboration is needed between the Bundeswehr's innovation stakeholders, such as the newly established Bundeswehr Innovation Center and the Cyber Innovation Hub, and industry. Clear contractual and legal frameworks are just as crucial as industry partners with proven expertise, particularly in the field of unmanned systems. This is how rapid procurement can translate into sustainable military capability.